Spring Congregational Meeting – Sunday – May 2, 2021 – 2 pm 
The BCMC Congregational Meeting will be held on May 2, at 1 pm, via zoom.  Here is the  Zoom link for the May 2 meeting.  
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85663468861?pwd=U0cxcEJ3YlB4eGR5eFRhd3dtZklSUT09

Meeting ID: 856 6346 8861
Passcode: 508271

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Tempestry Project panels are now installed in the Gathering Place
The seven panels feature a row of knitted yarn representing the high temperature for each day in twenty year increments, from 1897, when  Bethel College Mennonite Church began, through 2019.  The project is designed to help us visually think about our warming climate.  Additional information can be seen by the Tempestry.
The project was coordinated by the  BCMC Visual Arts Committee and the participating knitters (Sara Dick, Esther Kreider Eash, Deane Frey, Mary Goering, Marilyn Harrold, Peggy Souder and Lenore Waltner) completed the project in April 2020. 

Miner Seymour is now living at Paramount Community Living and Rehab which until recently was part of Asbury Park.

BCMC Camp Mennoscah Weekend Retreat
Dust off your tents, string your fishing poles, and prepare your hearts for worship at one of the best settings south-central Kansas has to offer! That’s right… it’s the BCMC Camp Mennoscah Weekend Retreat! This year’s event will be held May 15-16, and will only include BCMC – not Halstead First Mennonite as has been the case in the past (due to COVID). We plan on eating, fellowshipping, playing, worshiping, and seeing each other – safely, outdoors – as a way to be in community with each other. We’ll follow Camp’s safety protocol as we do this, of course, but would love to have as many folks out as can come – whether for Saturday evening, Sunday morning and lunch, or a whole weekend of fun! If you/your family is interested in attending, please fill out the link here: https://forms.gle/hr72BEDmvyXsayTKA And, if you have questions about the retreat, pricing, COVID-friendly protocol, etc. OR would like to help out in some way, please reach out to Adam Robb (adamandjillrobb@gmail.com) or Pastor Renee and they’ll do their best to be helpful! Looking forward to being together, in nature, to worship our God!

April 25 Offering at BCMC:  General Fund $6,927; MCC Sale $650; Sr Hi Youth $650; Living Stones $155; Women’s Fellowship $500; Rosalind Andreas Memorial $105. 

Bethel College Announcements
TODAY (Sun., May 2), 4 p.m. – Spring choral concert, featuring the Bethel College Concert Choir, Woven, Open Road, soloists and small ensembles, on the steps of the Administration Building on campus. Bring your own chairs/blankets or use chairs set up on the Ad Building plaza. Face coverings must be worn and physical distancing practiced on the Bethel campus.
Tues., May 4, 7 p.m. – Bethel College Steel Drum Band concert on the plaza in front of Luyken Fine Arts Center (rain location: KREHBIEL AUDITORIUM). Bring your own chairs/blankets. The concert is free – there will be a freewill offering taken to help support steel drum performance at Bethel. Face coverings must be worn and physical distancing practiced on the Bethel campus.
Weds., May 5, 7 p.m. – Jazz on the Green, featuring Bethel College Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo, a little south of the usual location, on the slab to the east of the art gallery (rain location: Krehbiel Auditorium). Bring your own chairs/blankets. Face coverings must be worn and physical distancing practiced on the Bethel campus 
Sat., May 8, 5 p.m. – Trae Gehring junior tuba recital, Administration Building chapel on the Bethel College campus. Free and open to the public with limited seating, physical distancing enforced for non-family groups, and face coverings required.
Sunday, May 9, 2 p.m. – Concert by Bethel College’s small a cappella ensembles Open Road (men) and Woven (women), on the steps of the Administration Building on campus. Bring your own chairs/blankets. The concert is free, but a freewill offering will be taken to support the Concert Choir’s 2022 Europe tour. Face coverings must be worn and physical distancing practiced on the Bethel campus. 
Now in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College: Senior Art Show, “Requiem aeternam,” paintings by Adam Kroeker, through May 14. Gallery hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri. Face coverings must be worn and physical distancing practiced on the Bethel campus.

Everence to hold several upcoming webinars
Everence will host the following free, online webinars during the month of May; all starting at 6:30 p.m.
Making your wishes known – Tuesday, May 11

Navigating education savings: 529 plans – Tuesday, May 18

Social Security and retirement income planning – Tuesday, May 25

To register, or learn more about each webinar event, please visit our webpage at everence.com/kansas.

Advisory services offered through Investment Advisors, a division of ProEquities Inc., Registered Investment Advisors. Securities offered through ProEquities Inc., a registered broker-dealer, member FINRA and SIPC. Investments and other products are not NCUA or otherwise federally insured, may involve loss of principal and have no credit union guarantee. 

Products and services offered through Everence Trust Company and other Everence entities are independent of and are not guaranteed or endorsed by ProEquities, Inc., or its affiliates.

Mennonite Central Committee Relief Sale Announcements
California Roasted Almonds are to arrive in Buhler, May 3.  As soon as they are received, we will deliver to Etcetera stores in Hutchinson, Newton and Hillsboro and the MCC Center in North Newton.  Selling price will be $10/bag with donations welcomed.  The money will all go to MCC.  Richard Ediger will also have some available in Buhler.  Call 620-543-2787

Get your MCC Relief Sale gear online at https://wearatomic.com/product-category/mcc/
The proceeds from the sale of these products go to support MCC.  

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Hesston College Announcements

Bel Canto Singers May Tour: Lift Every Voice

        Visit www.hesston.edu/everyvoice for more information and virtual or livestream play options.

• Friday, April 30, 7 p.m. – Hesston College Mullet Drive, Hesston, Kan.
• Monday, May 3, 7 p.m. – Dyck Arboretum of the Plains with Marie Engle, Hesston, Kan.
• Tuesday, May 4, 7 p.m. – First Mennonite Church, Hutchinson, Kan.
• Thursday, May 6, 7 p.m. – Pleasant Valley Mennonite Church, Harper, Kan.
• Friday, May 7, 7 p.m. – Heartland Community High School, Henderson, Neb.
• Sunday, May 9, 4 p.m. – Salem-Zion Mennonite Church, Freeman S.D.
• Monday, May 10, 7 p.m. – Bethel Mennonite Church, Mountain Lake, Minn.
• Thursday, May 13, 7 p.m. – Banman Residence, 8538 Mette Street, Lenexa, Kan.
• Friday, May 14, 7 p.m. – Tabor Mennonite Church, Goessel, Kan.

Commencement – May 1 – www.hesston.edu/commencement

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Western District Conference announcement
Church Replanting: Discerning God’s Call to Change: Thank you to everyone who joined us for this discussion last week (April 21) on zoom! The WDC Church Planting Commission was greatly encouraged by your participation. For those who were unable to join us, here’s a video of what we discussed about discerning and considering changes as church communities: Video: Church Replanting: Discerning God’s Call to Change

Camp Mennoscah announcements
1.  There are openings for youth at Camp Mennoscah’s summer youth camps!  Several of the camp weeks still have space for more campers.  Register at www.campmennoscah.org and find further information in the camp blog!

2.  Help set up camp!  Volunteers are needed to help set up the HUGE tents used for this summer’s youth camps at Camp Mennoscah.  Setup will happen May 28 and 29.  Sign up by May 15 by contacting 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org. 

3.  Camp Mennoscah is seeking to fill a part-time custodian/housekeeper position.  Hours average 10 per week and are flexible, dependent upon the camp schedule.  For more information, contact Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org4.  Nurses needed for summer youth camps!  Camp Mennoscah needs nurses for June 17-19 (First Camp), June 20-26 (Junior I) and July 25-30 (Senior High).  Nurses receive a stipend or a discount up to full camp fees for their camper (camper does not have to attend the same camp week).  Contact us at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for more information. 

Mennonite church announcements

1.  For Corinthian Plan (TCP) CEP Health Coverage participants. TCP is providing specific COVID-19 health coverage for its participants. Many of these benefits are covered without further cost to the participant during the Public Health Emergency (PHE). For specific information regarding coverages below go to the TCP webpage regarding the following:

• Vaccinations
• Testing, Diagnosis and Inpatient hospitalization
• Telemedicine
• Temporary eligibility exceptions for furloughed staff or staff with reduced hours.

The Corinthian Plan also has grants available for congregations experiencing economic stress during the COVID-19 Outbreak. The COVID Premium Assistance fund has been made possible by the donations of TCP participating congregations. Click on Guidelines  or Application or go to the TCP webpage.
2.  Seeking a Chaplain:  Bethesda Home, in Goessel, KS, is looking for a part-time chaplain. Interested parties may apply on the Bethesda website: www.bethesdahome.org. Please contact Marci Heidebrecht in Human Resources for additional information at 620-367-2291 x 229 or mheidebrecht@bethesdahome.org.

The link to the May issue of Prayers for Mennonite Education is below.
This is a monthly prayer resource prepared by Mennonite Education Agency (MEA), the education agency of Mennonite Church USA. These prayer requests were gathered from across Mennonite education, from early childhood – grade 12, undergraduate schools, graduate schools and seminaries, and MEA’s Hispanic Ministries’ seminary and Bible institute. By partnering with these schools and helping them flourish, MEA works to strengthen the church through education. Thank you for supporting the Anabaptist-Mennonite schools through prayer.
Prayers for Mennonite Education – May 2021

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request:  Mennonite Mission Network’s Youth Venture program is offering three learning and service opportunities in the United States this summer. Pray for participants, ages 15-22, to be challenged by the Doctrine of Discovery tour, the civil rights tour, or the immersive peacebuilding experience, which will include cooperative interaction with Colombian Mennonite youth.

Western District Conference Prayer Request:  Pray for the WDC Gifts Discernment Committee as they seek the Spirit’s leading in selecting nominees for positions on the Executive Board and Commissions.

As we seek to learn about and challenge racial injustice, we invite you to read the reflections of MC USA’s Executive Director, Glen Guyton in response to the Derek Chauvin guilty verdict this week, here.

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BCMC Camp Mennoscah Weekend RetreatDust off your tents, string your fishing poles, and prepare your hearts for worship at one of the best settings south-central Kansas has to offer! That’s right… it’s the BCMC Camp Mennoscah Weekend Retreat! This year’s event will be held May 15-16, and will only include BCMC – not Halstead First Mennonite as has been the case in the past (due to COVID). We plan on eating, fellowshipping, playing, worshiping, and seeing each other – safely, outdoors – as a way to be in community with each other. We’ll follow Camp’s safety protocol as we do this, of course, but would love to have as many folks out as can come – whether for Saturday evening, Sunday morning and lunch, or a whole weekend of fun! If you/your family is interested in attending, please fill out the link here: https://forms.gle/hr72BEDmvyXsayTKA And, if you have questions about the retreat, pricing, COVID-friendly protocol, etc. OR would like to help out in some way, please reach out to Adam Robb (adamandjillrobb@gmail.com) or Pastor Renee and they’ll do their best to be helpful! Looking forward to being together, in nature, to worship our God!

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We offer sympathy to the family of Laura Ann Schrag.  Laura Ann died Friday, April 23, at Kidron Bethel Village.  More details will come later.

Spring Congregational Meeting: This year, due to the Leonard Pitts lecture scheduled by Kansas Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (KIPCOR) on April 25 at 2 pm, the BCMC Congregational Meeting will be held on May 2, at 1 pm, via zoom. Mark your calendars now!  The Annual Report Booklets will be sent out early next week.  If you wish to have a paper copy, contact the BCMC office.

BCMC Offering for April 18, 2021:  General Fund $11,840.61; Community Play School $250; MCC Relief Sale $50; Sr Hi Youth $4,812.95; Living Stones $323.33; Women’s Fellowship $670; Rosalind Andreas Memorial $550; Helen Ruth Unruh Memorial $220; Harold Bartel Memorial $25.

ooking for an opportunity to sing or play an instrument in church this summer? BCMC is seeking musicians of all ages, individuals or small groups, to assist in leading worship this summer. If you are willing or want more information, email Barbara Thiesen, BCMC Music Coordinator, at thiesenjba@gmail.com. Please indicate dates you would be available. If you are a singer, indicate if you are a soprano, alto, tenor, or baritone/bass; if you are an instrumentalist, indicate your instrument.

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Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale will be having their 2021 sale for MCC on July 2 and 3 this summer.  They are asking the churches for help with expenses,  so if anyone would like to help contribute on behalf of BCMC, please let one of our church liaisons know.  By the first of May would be preferable, but of course contributions would be welcomed at any time!  Contact people are Dale and Margo Schrag 316-283-6031, and Dennis and Kathy Campbell 316-416-5156.

Bethel College Announcements

TODAY (Sunday, April 25), 2 p.m. – If you registered for the Zoom link, don’t forget to tune in to hear award-winning syndicated columnist Leonard Pitts Jr. speak on “Is America Possible?,” part of the Peace Lecture Series from the Kansas Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (KIPCOR).

Kauffman Museum’s spring fundraiser is FaspBox – faspa in a box. Faspa is a light evening meal traditional among Low German-heritage Mennonites. Each box serves one and costs $50. Reservations must be made by Monday, April 26 (for pickup or delivery on May 2), at www.kauffmanmuseum.org/faspbox or by contacting the museum with credit card information at kauffman@bethelks.edu or 316-283-1612.

April 29-May 1 (including Saturday matinee): Bethel College spring play, I and You by Lauren Gunderson, planned for Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Thursday, 7:30 p.m.; Friday, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. – and there is a livestream option! Call or stop by Thresher Shop in Schultz Student Center, Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m., 316-284-5205, for tickets for either in-person or livestream. Please note: This play has adult content and is not suitable for children. Face coverings must be worn and physical distancing will be enforced for in-person performances.

Sat., May 1, 7 a.m. – Kauffman Museum first-Saturday bird walks resume. Meet in the museum parking lot (corner of Main and 27th streets in North Newton) to join experienced birders for a walk of 1-1.5 hours in Chisholm Park and on Sand Creek Trail. Trails are mostly unpaved and sometimes steep or sloping. Please note that face coverings must be worn and physical distancing between non-family members practiced at all times.

Sunday, May 2, 4 p.m. – Spring choral concert, featuring the Bethel College Concert Choir, Woven and Open Road on the steps of the Administration Building on campus. Bring your own chairs/blankets. Please note that face coverings must be worn and physical distancing observed on the Bethel campus.

Tues., May 4, 7 p.m. – Bethel College Steel Drum Band concert on the plaza in front of Luyken Fine Arts Center (rain location: Memorial Hall). Bring your own chairs/blankets. Please note that face coverings must be worn and physical distancing practiced on the Bethel campus.

Weds., May 5, 7 p.m. – Jazz on the Green, featuring Bethel College Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo (a little south of the usual location, on the slab to the east of the art gallery).Bring your own chairs/blankets. Please note that face coverings must be worn and physical distancing practiced on the Bethel campus

Now in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College: Senior Art Show, “Requiem Aeternam,” paintings by Adam Kroeker, through May 14. Gallery hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri. Face coverings must be worn on the Bethel campus.

SafeHope Event
SafeHope is hosting an event the end of May for their participants to receive new clothes. These clothes could be used for a job, new job interview, or just for fun! Please bring new items to 316 Oak Street, Newton. Thank you for your support with their Clothing Boutique this year!   As much as they appreciate all donations, for this event they are requesting only NEW items.  

The May 2021 Mennonite Mission Network PRAYER VINE is now available for download. The PDF is posted in theprayer resources section of our website and can also be downloaded directly by clicking the link below:
Download this month’s Prayer Vine (PDF)

Western District Conference announcements1.  KLC Competencies:  “Why Purposes Matters (and Why Experimentation in Crucial)” is our discussion topic – Thursday, April 22, 12-1 pm.  Join us if you are a Kansas Leadership Center alum or if you’re curious.  Zoom link to join:   https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84286455892?pwd=KzdKK1NMRGt2bnVKZExvSERnNDNSUT09, Meeting ID: 842 8645 5892, Passcode: 827423. 2.  A Shot for your Right (to Party)?  Energizing Others to Beat the Virus – A Virtual Discussion and Journal Launch event – April 27, 6:00-7:45 pm
The latest edition of The Journal, the Kansas Leadership Center’s magazine, explores how the return to “normal” after the COVID-19 pandemic requires most Americans to take an approved coronavirus vaccine. But fears exacerbated by the unprecedented speed of vaccine development, growing political fissures, barriers to access and a shameful history of medical experiments on people of color complicate the return to normal.

What kind of leadership can everyday people exercise to help boost the chances that the pandemic will finally come to an end, and truly bring about a cause for celebration?

Join The Journal and the Kansas Leadership Center for this free, virtual launch event to discuss leadership challenges being elevated by the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. You’ll hear from experts to gain a better understanding of why Kansans are skeptical of the vaccines and how to communicate effectively about them without jeopardizing close relationships with family, friends and neighbors.

Following the presentation by experts, a small group discussion will help you reflect on your own efforts to help end the pandemic, learn from the experiences of others and explore how to contribute going forward.  All participants of the Kansas Beats the Virus and Voices on Vaccinations efforts are encouraged to attend.
REGISTER HERE:  https://kansasleadershipcenter.org/klcevents/a-shot-for-your-right-to-party/?ct=t%28Journal+Launch%3A+A+Show+for+Your+Right%29&mc_cid=8a030b3192&mc_eid=d2ce127c34

Camp Mennoscah announcements1.  Smorgasborg of volunteer opportunities for you!  Starting with the Work Day on April 24, Camp Mennoscah has multiple opportunities to support the maintenance and upkeep of the campgrounds.  Get Involved and be part of the fun!  Email office@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290 to volunteer. 2.  Camp Mennoscah is seeking to fill a part-time custodian/housekeeper position.  Hours average 10 per week and are flexible, dependent upon the camp schedule.  For more information, contact Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org 3.  Camp Mennoscah is seeking a full-time Director of Development, Marketing & Communications to lead our ongoing operational and advancement needs.  More information at www.campmennoscah.org.  Applications accepted until the position is filled.  Please send application materials (resume, cover letter, references and salary requirements) to campmennojobs@att.net.

Mennonite church announcements1.  Are you a pastor or professor that feels God’s call to mission? Join Mission Network as we partner with agencies all around the world. Serve globally in various short-term assignments. Contact MichelleR@MMNWorld.net.

2.  If you are being called to walk in mission with partners around the world, Mission Network has a place for you. JCS International in Mongolia is seeking a full time Funding and Communications Management Director. Partner in God’s work in these or many other placements around the world! Contact LaurenEH@MennoniteMission.net for more information.

3.  Felipe Hinojosa, author of “Apostles of Change,” shared stories about Latino activists transforming churches into staging grounds for protests against urban renewal and displacement, in a recorded webinar from Mennonite Church USA. View it here: mennoniteusa.org/webinars

4.  Pacific Southwest Mennonite Conference recently licensed Katerina Friesen for ministry at Wild Church Fresno (California), a Mennonite Church USA church plant that meets outdoors and feels a particular call to care for God’s creation. Read more at https://www.mennoniteusa.org/friesen-licensed-wild-church

5.  What are the causes of war? And what can we do to end war before it begins? David Lapp-Jost answers these questions in his blog, “Nurturing more life-giving community.” Read more here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/life-giving-community

6.  Pastor Graciela Tijerina listened when God called her to lead Iglesia Menonita Casa Betania (Bethany House Mennonite Church), in Newton, Kansas. Read her story here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/news/iglesia-casa-betania/
En español: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/menoticias-tijerina

7.  Award-winning syndicated columnist Leonard Pitts Jr., who packed out Memorial Hall at Bethel College in September 2017, makes a return appearance on Sunday, April 25, at 2 p.m. Pitts will be live online, speaking on “Is America Possible?” This is part of the Peace Lecture Series from the Kansas Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (KIPCOR). Register for the Zoom link at kipcor.org

Hesston College Announcements:
Bel Canto Singers – An outdoor worship service at Alexanderwhohl Mennonite Church in Goessel, KS – April 25, 10:00am

Bel Canto Singers Concert – Presented at the Mullet Drive parking lot at Hesston College – April 30, 7:00pm – Fine Arts Livestream

Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp Announcements
RMMC SPRUCE BEETLE PACKET WORKDAY NOW APRIL 24TH – With the coming of snow and cold (ah, Springtime in CO), the workday has been moved to April 24.  Please signup to come help with this year’s distribution by visiting our Volunteer page and select “Signup for Maintenance“. Friday night accommodations are offered by request and breakfast will be served Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m. and lunch at 11:30 a.m. Hope to have you join us!

SPRUCE BEETLE TREE CUTTING AT ROCKY MOUNTAIN MAY 23-29, 2021 – Mennonite Disaster Service and RMMC continue their critical partnership in the work to remove beetle infested Engelmann Spruce trees from camp. Ten volunteers (approximately) needed each day. Volunteers for foodservice are also encouraged to help in support of the week’s efforts. Please visit the volunteer page at www.rmmc.org and select “Signup for Maintenance” or “Signup for Foodservice” for 1 or 2 days or the whole week if you can. For additional information, please contact Paul Unruh (phunruh@gmail.com, 316-772-6308) or Marc Yoder (marcyoder1@gmail.com, 719-942-3276).

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Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request:  Mennonite Mission Network praises God for the three-year ministry of Diana Cruz and Felipe Preciado at La Casa Grande, a children’s home in Benin. Pray for Diana and Felipe as they transition back to living in and doing God’s work in Colombia, their sending country.

Western District Conference Prayer Request:  Pray for pastors, parents, teachers, and mentors in WDC congregations, as they guide faith formation for children and youth in the midst of challenging times. 

From the Staff Congregation Relations Committee 
The Staff Congregation Relations Committee (SCRC) of the Bethel College Mennonite Church (BCMC) serves as a bridge between BCMC staff and the congregation. We hold within our vision the mutual care and growth of both staff and congregation. SCRC advocates for each side while working to enhance and strengthen the whole.
BCMC is part of the Corinthian Plan, which is the MC USA health insurance plan. The Corinthian Plan publishes a Pastor Wellbeing Checklist, which SCRC is in the process of reviewing. As described by The Corinthian Plan, the checklist is an invitation for congregations to enter into discussions with their pastors about how to create a healthier and more fulfilling work environment. The checklist includes an invitation for congregational leadership to remind the congregation of important boundaries to protect the well-being of our pastors. To that end, SCRC wishes to remind BCMC of important ways we can respect the boundaries of our staff in order to ensure they have a healthy and fulfilling work environment and that they can enjoy healthy work-life balance.
1. Our pastors and staff have dedicated working hours. Unless there is an emergency, care should be taken to respect our staff’s working hours and personal time. By way of reminder, below are the days our pastors and staff are away from the office:
Pastor Dawn Yoder Harms – Mondays off
Pastor Renee Reimer—Fridays off
Pastor Nathan Koontz—Mondays and Wednesdays off
Monica Lichti, Office and Facilities Manager—Friday afternoons off
Mike Crawford, Custodian—Tuesdays off
SCRC has encouraged our staff to use their days off to rest and recharge and to avoid reading and responding to emails or addressing other church business. For our pastoral staff, Sundays are working days, so their Sabbath day must come on another day. It is our belief that these days of Sabbath are critical to our staff’s well-being and we hope you will join us in respecting these important boundaries.
2.  Another way we can support the well-being of our staff is to be mindful of the ways in which we communicate with one another. It takes a tremendous amount of time and energy on the part of our staff to keep the everyday life of our church running smoothly. Email can be a helpful tool for engaging in ordinary communication that furthers this end. But on top of the daily tending to the functioning of our organization, our staff are dealing with the deeper, human and spiritual needs of our congregation. Email is usually not an effective tool to communicate in this vein, nor is it an effective tool for expressing frustration, disappointment or disagreement. If you are frustrated or upset about something in your life or the life of the congregation, SCRC encourages you to pick up the phone and call the church or schedule and in person meeting. It is healthier for everyone involved to engage in conversation rather than to send an email that might be misinterpreted or sent in anger.
In the last year, we have been through a long season of fear, uncertainty and change as we learned to adjust to living in a pandemic. Much of what we hold dear has been stripped from us, whether it be worshiping together in our church, hugging our friends and family, or visiting with loved ones in person. We are all tired and weary, including our pastors and our BCMC staff. They have borne the responsibility for navigating our congregation through these unprecedented times. And they have done it with grace and compassion. As we look forward to the light at the end of this long tunnel of separation, let’s be mindful of the ways we can show care and respect for those who have been so dedicated to caring for us.
The Staff Congregation Relations Committee:  Heather Zerger, SCRC Chair, Dave Linscheid, Mary Goering
Vern Preheim

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As the Reopening Task Group makes plans to increase the number of people participating in in-person worship, your feedback is important.  Please take two minutes to complete this two question survey. Hit the “submit” button when you are finished:   
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdDwpq9MgVVWbWm4tv-_DfH822RjHko8eypCzNSXFCi7DphTw/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0&gxids=7628

Looking for an opportunity to sing or play an instrument in church this summer? BCMC is seeking musicians of all ages, individuals or small groups, to assist in leading worship this summer. If you are willing or want more information, email Barbara Thiesen, BCMC Music Coordinator, at thiesenjba@gmail.com. Please indicate dates you would be available. If you are a singer, indicate if you are a soprano, alto, tenor, or baritone/bass; if you are an instrumentalist, indicate your instrument.

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Spring Congregational Meeting: This year, due to the Leonard Pitts lecture scheduled by Kansas Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (KIPCOR) on April 25 at 2 pm, the BCMC Congregational Meeting will be held on May 2, at 1 pm, via zoom. Mark your calendars now!  To the chairs of commissions and committees:  This is just a reminder that if you have not sent your report for the Annual Report booklet yet, the deadline is April 19.  

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BCMC Camp Mennoscah Weekend Retreat
Dust off your tents, string your fishing poles, and prepare your hearts for worship at one of the best settings south-central Kansas has to offer! That’s right… it’s the BCMC Camp Mennoscah Weekend Retreat! This year’s event will be held May 15-16, and will only include BCMC – not Halstead First Mennonite as has been the case in the past (due to COVID). We plan on eating, fellowshipping, playing, worshiping, and seeing each other – safely, outdoors – as a way to be in community with each other. We’ll follow Camp’s safety protocol as we do this, of course, but would love to have as many folks out as can come – whether for Saturday evening, Sunday morning and lunch, or a whole weekend of fun! If you/your family is interested in attending, please fill out the link here: https://forms.gle/hr72BEDmvyXsayTKA And, if you have questions about the retreat, pricing, COVID-friendly protocol, etc. OR would like to help out in some way, please reach out to Adam Robb (adamandjillrobb@gmail.com) or Pastor Renee and they’ll do their best to be helpful! Looking forward to being together, in nature, to worship our God!

JOINING SCN SURVEY RESULTS:
Final results of the Congregational Survey regarding joining Supportive Communities Network (SCN) are:   
TOTAL RESPONSES  131
YES   121 (92.4%)  
NO       10  (7.6%) 

SCN is a program of the Brethren Mennonite Council for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Interests. It is a network of Mennonite and Church of the Brethren communities who are publicly affirming of gay, lesbian, transgender, and bisexual members. 
The survey was sent to people who attend and participate in the life of BCMC and was not restricted to voting BCMC church members.  The survey was sent electronically via email, and also by post mail to participants who do not communicate electronically.   
The Church Board reviewed survey results at its meeting on April 9, 2021.  The number of YES responses significantly exceeds 75%.  The Board is taking next steps to join SCN.
May we continue learning and following Christ together on pathways of justice, mercy, and walking humbly with God and neighbor.
Elizabeth Schmidt, Moderator and Board Chair

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BCMC Offerings
March 28, 2021:  General Fund $8,026; Media Supplies $55; Sr Hi Youth $20; Caring Fund $100; Living Stones $325; Transfer-Funeral $175; Hymnals $20; Women’s Fellowship $775
April 4, 2021:  General Fund $7,735; Sr Hi Youth $150; Transfer-General $4; Living Stones $715; Rosalind Andreas Memorial $275
April 11, 2021:  General Fund $10,056.30; General Fund 2022 $12,017.72; Caring Fund $25; Living Stones $330.Rosalind Andreas Memorial $275; Helen Ruth Unruh Memorial $275

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Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale will be having their 2021 sale for MCC on July 2 and 3 this summer.  They are asking the churches for help with expenses,  so if anyone would like to help contribute on behalf of BCMC, please let one of our church liaisons know.  By the first of May would be preferable, but of course contributions would be welcomed at any time!  Contact people are Dale and Margo Schrag 316-283-6031, and Dennis and Kathy Campbell 316-416-5156.

Mennonite Central Committee Announcements
From the MCC U.S. Washington Office, an invitation to take action: Prevent future war—repeal the Iraq AUMF (Authorization for Use of Military Force) The 2002 Iraq AUMF authorized war against the Saddam Hussein regime and has been used to justify military action for 19 years without additional congressional approval. Two bills repealing the AUMF in the House of Representative and the Senate have growing bipartisan support. Repealing past AUMFs will return authority to engage in militarized force to Congress, creating greater accountability for military actions. Send a message to your members of Congress calling on them to support the repeal of the 1991 and 2002 Iraq AUMFs.

MCC dignity kit informational webinar, April 20 at 7 p.m. Yes, MCC has a new kit that has been in development for years and now we’re ready to teach you how to help us bring dignity to young women around the world! The dignity kit includes hygiene items and a reusable menstruation pad system. Join Kate Mast for this webinar to learn about the kit and how to sew the base units for the reusable system. Email katemast@mcc.org for the Zoom link.

Responding to disaster: MCC’s response to hurricanes Eta & Iota webinar April 21 & 22 at 7pm
MCC is pleased to bring you, via Zoom, the people and stories directly impacted by this disaster response that you generously supported. Register here for this two night webinar to hear directly from MCC partner organizations and church partners in Honduras and Nicaragua. They will share about MCC’s disaster response as well as how climate change impacts migration and poverty in Central America.

MCC is hiring a multimedia producer! Check out the job description and apply today!

Bethel College Announcements
Sunday, April 25, 2 p.m. – Award-winning syndicated columnist Leonard Pitts Jr., who packed out Memorial Hall at Bethel College in September 2017 with a lecture titled “America in an Age of Trump,” makes a return engagement, live online, speaking on “Is America Possible?” This is part of the Peace Lecture Series from the Kansas Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (KIPCOR). Register for the Zoom link at kipcor.org

Kauffman Museum’s spring fundraiser is FaspBox – faspa in a box. Faspa is a light evening meal traditional among Low German-heritage Mennonites. Each box serves one and costs $50. Reservations must be made by Monday, April 26 (for pickup or delivery on May 2), by going to the Kauffman Museum website, then click on Visit, then click on Events, or by contacting the museum with credit card information at kauffman@bethelks.edu or 316-283-1612.

April 29-May 1 (including Saturday matinee): Bethel College spring play, I and You by Lauren Gunderson, planned for Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Thursday, 7:30 p.m.; Friday, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. – and there is a livestream option! Call or stop by Thresher Shop in Schultz Student Center, Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m., 316-284-5205, for tickets for either in-person or livestream. Please note: This play has adult content and is not suitable for children. Face coverings must be worn and physical distancing will be enforced for in-person performances.

Sunday, May 2, 4 p.m.: Spring choral concert, featuring the Bethel College Concert Choir, Woven and Open Road on the steps of the Administration Building on campus. Bring your own chairs/blankets. Please note that face coverings must be worn and physical distancing practiced on the Bethel campus.

Sat., April 24, 7 p.m. – Caleb Abbott senior saxophone recital, Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College, featuring classical and jazz pieces by Glazunov, Morosco, Shorter, Wood & Mellin, and an original composition. Those planning to attend must wear masks and sit physically distanced or in family groups. Seating is limited, with priority given to members of a pre-concert list of family and friends.

Western District Conference Announcements
1.  Church Replanting – Discerning God’s Call to Change 
God is continuing to call God’s church to change so that we can better embody our Jesus-given mission. Perhaps the Spirit is already moving in your heart: Have you been longing to implement changes resulting in deeper discipleship, while inviting and welcoming others into the way of Jesus?  But how can we do that if we have become stuck in what was and what has been?  How can we prayerfully approach healthy changes as a community for the sake of the Gospel?  Join members of the WDC Church Planting Commission for a Zoom conversation and discussion on these topics and more on April 21 at 11:00 am (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84445430211?pwd=Y3A4V2toK3YxUEVhZGtVcEQzU21nQT09, Meeting ID: 844 4543 0211, Passcode: 173971).  Tim Amor, pastor at Beatrice (NE) Mennonite Church, will share his congregation’s ‘replanting’ story and engage our own exploration into how God’s Spirit is moving within us and the congregations we serve, considering guiding questions such as:
·  What are you willing to change so that you and your church can better embody and share the love of Jesus?
·  What are you not willing to change?
·  How can we better disciple and invite others to join with us in orienting all of life toward the radical love of Jesus?

Camp Mennoscah Announcements
1.  Men and Boys Retreat, April 16-18, at Camp Mennoscah! Come to Camp Mennoscah for time for fishing, canoeing, worshiping, sitting by the fire, or visiting with friends in fellowship.  No pre-registration. Registration and payment will take place upon arrival at the shelter. For more information contact Kevin Neufeld at 316-322-5515.
2.  Camp Mennoscah is cleaning house!  Anyone visiting will notice a “display” of items in the field in front of the maintenance shed.  When the shed was cleaned out, the items were placed there until we could find new locations for them.  It’s messy, as many big cleaning projects are, and we’ll continue to find places to store those items!
3.  Camp Mennoscah is seeking to fill a part-time custodian/housekeeper position.  Hours average 10 per week and are flexible, dependent upon the camp schedule.  For more information, contact Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org
4.  Camp Mennoscah is seeking a full-time Director of Development, Marketing & Communications to lead our ongoing operational and advancement needs.  More information at www.campmennoscah.org.  Applications accepted until the position is filled; early submission encouraged.  Please send application materials (resume, cover letter, references and salary requirements) to campmennojobs@att.net.
 Mennonite Church Announcements1.  Come build communities of peace with the Colombia Youth Venture experience. Youth participants in both countries come together (virtually) to collaboratively explore that which makes for peace in their own, respective contexts. Visit MennoniteMission.net/YouthVenture to learn more. Deadline is May 1!
2.  Looking for a non-traditional pastoral role? Become a unit leader for Service Adventure, a gap-year program for ages 17-20 from Mennonite Mission Network. Unit leaders, who are at least 24 years of age, serve as mentors to the young adults in the Service Adventure household. Leaders are needed in Colorado Springs, CO and Johnstown, PA. Learn more by contacting SusanN@MennoniteMission.net.
3.  Pastor Jon Carlson of Forest Hills (Pennsylvania) Mennonite Church has been nominated as Mennonite Church USA moderator-elect for the 2021-2023 biennium. Read more here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/carlson-elect
4.  Hendy Matahelemaul sheds light on the dramatic increase in hate crimes and acts of racism against Asians in the United States in his blog, “Difficult things in difficult times.” Learn more here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/difficult-things-times
5.  In her blog, “Let us lay down our economic weapons,” Katerina Parsons explains the impact that U.S. economic sanctions have on the people in the countries that have experienced these sanctions. Parsons calls us to advocate against these sanctions, in order put our love for people around the world into action. https://www.mennoniteusa.org/economic-weapons
6.  As a young man, Alfonso Alvarado dreamt of leaving his home in El Salvador and moving to the United States. Read about his journey, which led him to become a pastor and church planter at a Mennonite church in “Beyond that ocean is North America.” In English: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/menoticias-alfonso-alvarado/ En español: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/menoticias/posts/alfonso-alvarado/.

Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp Announcements
RMMC SPRUCE BEETLE PACKET WORKDAY NOW APRIL 24TH – With the coming of snow and cold (ah, Springtime in CO), the workday has been moved to April 24.  Please signup to come help with this year’s distribution by visiting our Volunteer page and select “Signup for Maintenance“. Friday night accommodations are offered by request and breakfast will be served Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m. and lunch at 11:30 a.m. Hope to have you join us!

SPRUCE BEETLE TREE CUTTING AT ROCKY MOUNTAIN MAY 23-29, 2021 – Mennonite Disaster Service and RMMC continue their critical partnership in the work to remove beetle infested Engelmann Spruce trees from camp. Ten volunteers (approximately) needed each day. Volunteers for foodservice are also encouraged to help in support of the week’s efforts. Please visit the volunteer page at www.rmmc.org and select “Signup for Maintenance” or “Signup for Foodservice” for 1 or 2 days or the whole week if you can. For additional information, please contact Paul Unruh (phunruh@gmail.com, 316-772-6308) or Marc Yoder (marcyoder1@gmail.com, 719-942-3276).

ROCKY MOUNTAIN SUMMER YOUTH CAMPS – Another year of coronavirus impacts and we are all anew hoping for a successful summer camping season. While guidance from the state is yet to come, we are working toward offering our resident camp programs at 50% capacity and our wilderness camp programs at 100%. Currently, four out of our eleven youth camps (2 resident camps and 2 wilderness camps) have reached capacity with waitlists. Camp is excited again for the group of summer staff who are looking forward to serving the campers and guests anticipating their time here at Rocky Mountain this summer. Special thanks to our donors and churches and conference who have ensured the opportunity to offer a summer camp experience in 2021.

Buhler High School Choral Department Announcement (under the direction of Greg Bontrager)
Buhler High School Choral Department will present the musical GODSPELL, April 28, 30, May 1 and 2!. Music and Stage Direction by Greg Bontrager with Choreography by Katelyn Stoss and Rock Combo Direction by Rich Toevs.  In this tale of building a community, friendship, loyalty, and love, a small group of disciples help Jesus tell a variety of parables through song, dance, and humor.  But at its core, it’s the story of all of us, how we need to take care of each other, how we are all, in essence, a family. Godspell will be performed at the Buhler High School Auditorium April 28, 30 at 7:00 p.m.,
May 1 at 7:30 pm. and a matinee, May 2 at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $10 for adults, $6 for K-12 students and are available by calling BHS at 620-543-2255.  Tickets will also be available at the door or at this website:  file:///Users/gbontrager/Desktop/Godspelltickets.html

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request:  Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for the two-day Sent Network conference that begins on Thursday, April 23. Pray that all who participate in this virtual church-planting summit will be inspired, energized, and given the tools necessary for encouraging the growth of Jesus’ church.
Western District Conference Prayer Request:  Give thanks for farmers and gardeners, and pray for all those in WDC congregations working to be faithful stewards of God’s creation.

As the Reopening Task Group makes plans to increase the number of people participating in in-person worship, your feedback is important.  Please take two minutes to complete this two question survey. Hit the “submit” button when you are finished:   
 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdDwpq9MgVVWbWm4tv-_DfH822RjHko8eypCzNSXFCi7DphTw/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0&gxids=7628 

Interested in learning more about our new hymnal, Voices Together?  Check out this helpful article by Katie Graber, member of the Worship and Song Committee.   https://www.mennoniteusa.org/menno-snapshots/answers-to-your-voices-together-questions/

Looking for an opportunity to sing or play an instrument in church this summer? BCMC is seeking musicians of all ages, individuals or small groups, to assist in leading worship this summer. If you are willing or want more information, email Barbara Thiesen, BCMC Music Coordinator, at thiesenjba@gmail.com. Please indicate dates you would be available. If you are a singer, indicate if you are a soprano, alto, tenor, or baritone/bass; if you are an instrumentalist, indicate your instrument.

A heartfelt thank you with deep appreciation for the many birthday wishes I received for my 90th birthday.  May you also receive many blessings in the coming year.”     Esther M. Thieszen

Helen Ruth Unruh
A private graveside service for Helen Ruth Unruh occurred this past Thursday at Greenwood Cemetery in Newton.  Attached is a PDF of the service.  Please continue to hold Helen’s family and friends in your prayers as they grieve her loss.  Helen Ruth Obit Helen Ruth Worship Service

Spring Congregational Meeting: This year, due to the Leonard Pitts lecture scheduled by Kansas Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (KIPCOR) on April 25 at 2 pm, the BCMC Congregational Meeting will be held on May 2, at 1 pm, via zoom. Mark your calendars now!

BCMC Camp Mennoscah Weekend Retreat
Dust off your tents, string your fishing poles, and prepare your hearts for worship at one of the best settings south-central Kansas has to offer! That’s right… it’s the BCMC Camp Mennoscah Weekend Retreat! This year’s event will be held May 15-16, and will only include BCMC – not Halstead First Mennonite as has been the case in the past (due to COVID). We plan on eating, fellowshipping, playing, worshiping, and seeing each other – safely, outdoors – as a way to be in community with each other. We’ll follow Camp’s safety protocol as we do this, of course, but would love to have as many folks out as can come – whether for Saturday evening, Sunday morning and lunch, or a whole weekend of fun! If you/your family is interested in attending, please fill out the link here: https://forms.gle/hr72BEDmvyXsayTKA And, if you have questions about the retreat, pricing, COVID-friendly protocol, etc. OR would like to help out in some way, please reach out to Adam Robb (adamandjillrobb@gmail.com) or Pastor Renee and they’ll do their best to be helpful! Looking forward to being together, in nature, to worship our God!

The BCMC Mission Quilters are back in the church building.  A new quilt has been set up.   Everyone is welcome to come quilt.  Bring your mask.  Come on Monday afternoons, 1-5 pm in the church basement,  Room B6, to quilt!

Through Friday, April 16 – Student Art Exhibit in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College. The 2020 exhibit had to be canceled because of COVID shutdowns, so this one covers two school years and 55 different student artists, including two graduates. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri. Please note that face coverings must be worn and physical distancing observed on the Bethel campus.

Sunday, April 25, 2 p.m. – Award-winning syndicated columnist Leonard Pitts Jr., who packed out Memorial Hall at Bethel College in September 2017 with a lecture  titled “America in an Age of Trump,” makes a return engagement, live online, speaking on “Is America Possible?” This is part of the Peace Lecture Series from the Kansas Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (KIPCOR). Register for the Zoom link at kipcor.org

Kauffman Museum’s spring fundraiser is FaspBox – faspa in a box. Faspa is a light evening meal traditional among Low German-heritage Mennonites. Each box serves one and costs $50. Reservations must by made by Monday, April 26 (for pickup or delivery on May 2) by going to the Kauffman Museum website and clicking on events or by contacting the museum with credit card information at kauffman@bethelks.edu or 316-283-1612.

The MC USA biennial convention will take place in July 6-10, 2021 in Cincinnati, Ohio. While a limited number of persons will be allowed to participate in-person, any registrant can participate virtually from home–joining in worship, participating in seminars and exploring the exhibition hall. You can register here, after April 6: https://convention.mennoniteusa.org/

The MC USA delegate session will be held virtually on Saturday, July 10, from 1-3:30pm EDT. BCMC is looking for 5 people to represent our congregation at this delegate session. Since the session will be held virtually, there will be no need to travel. If you are interested in being a delegate, please contact Pastor Dawn (dawn@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org).

The annual corporation meeting of Community Playschool, Inc. will take place on Monday, April 12 at 7:15 pm in the Fellowship Hall of the Bethel College Mennonite Church. This meeting is open to all corporation members which includes all members of sponsoring churches. In order to maintain safety guidelines for Covid 19, we ask that you call 316-217-2548 if you plan to attend and leave a message with your name so that we know how many people to expect. Mask wearing will be required.
Thank you-Jeanette Leary, director

Newton Et Cetera Shop is grateful for your donated items, your volunteer time, and your shopping enthusiasm! We have three requests for you this spring:
1. Please let your friends and neighbors know we’re hiring a full-time Home Goods Manager! The job description and applications are available on our website (newtonetceterashop.com) and at our shop; applications are due April 19, 2021.
2. We are in need of high-quality furniture, toys and home goods at this time. Our current donation schedule is every Wednesday, 9:30-6:00, and we hope to add other days of the week in the coming months!
3. We welcome new volunteers! Amazingly, we welcomed the same number of new volunteers (40!) in 2020 in the midst of a pandemic, as we did in 2019! If you’re interested in learning more, please visit our website or facebook page, send us an email expressing interest to manager@newtonetceterashop.com, or call us at 316-283-9461. Thank you for supporting your local MCC Thrift Shop!

Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale will be having their 2021 sale for Mennonite Central Committee on July 2 and 3 this summer.  They are asking the churches for help with expenses,  so if anyone would like to help contribute on behalf of BCMC, please let one of our church liaisons know.  By the first of May would be preferable, but of course contributions would be welcomed at any time!  Contact people are Dale and Margo Schrag 316-283-6031, and Dennis and Kathy Campbell 316-416-5156.

Mennonite Central Committee dignity kit informational webinar, April 20 at 7 p.m. Yes, MCC has a new kit that has been in development for years and now we’re ready to teach you how to help us bring dignity to young women around the world! The dignity kit includes hygiene items and a reusable menstruation pad system. Join Kate Mast for this webinar to learn about the kit and how to sew the base units for the reusable system. Email katemast@mcc.org for the Zoom link.

Responding to disaster: MCC’s response to hurricanes Eta & Iota webinar April 21 & 22 at 7pm
MCC is pleased to bring you, via Zoom, the people and stories directly impacted by this disaster response that you generously supported. Register here for this two night webinar to hear directly from MCC partner organizations and church partners in Honduras and Nicaragua. They will share about MCC’s disaster response as well as how climate change impacts migration and poverty in Central America.

MCC is hiring a multimedia producer! Check out the job description and apply today!

Western District Conference announcements
1.  WDC Hope Fund update: One year ago in April 2020, the WDC Executive Board established the Hope Fund to support WDC congregations and ministers in response to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.  Since then, contributions of over $45,000 have been received, and grants totaling over $31,000 have been distributed to assist with expenses such as rent and repairs, utilities, groceries, pastoral support, medical expenses and mental health care.  Thanks be to God for the mutual support and generosity that has been shared through these funds!  In anticipation of future needs beyond the pandemic, the Executive Board recently approved an expansion of the Hope Fund guidelines, to also include assistance in times of natural disaster or similar emergencies, and to allow WDC commissions (in addition to congregations) to also apply for grants to assist congregations and ministers. The Board also approved a Hope Fund Task Force to continue administering the fund.  For more information, see the attached revised guidelines and application forms.  Gifts to the Hope Fund may be made online at https://mennowdc.org/  (click on “Donate to WDC) or by sending a check to PO Box 306, N. Newton, KS 67117.  Thank you!
2.  All women and girls are invited to the Western District Women in Mission 2021 Spring Soiree Thursday, April 8 at 7:00 pm.  In lieu of attending our annual Spring Supper, gather with us for a virtual night of worship, music and a reflection on “Faith in Turbulent Times” offered by special guest speaker and freelance minister, Georgia Metz, M. Div. Special music will be provided by Erin Regier Graber and Addie Regier Kauffman. Email WDWM2021SpringSoiree@gmail.com to register ASAP. A zoom link will be sent to registered participants prior to the event. 
3.  Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church, Goessel, KS, is pleased to host the Service of Ordination for Lead Pastor Caleb Yoder on Sunday, April 11, at 4:00 pm.  COVID precautions will be followed, including social distancing, required masks, and no congregational singing. A quartet will sing from the stage. Guests are welcome to join by livestream; email alexmenno@mtelco.net for the Zoom link. 
4.  Church Replanting – Discerning God’s Call to Change – Zoom conversation – APRIL 21, 11:00 AMGod is continuing to call God’s church to change so that we can better embody our Jesus-given mission. Perhaps the Spirit is already moving in your heart: Have you been longing to implement changes resulting in deeper discipleship, while inviting and welcoming others into the way of Jesus?  But how can we do that if we have become stuck in what was and what has been?  How can we prayerfully approach healthy changes as a community for the sake of the Gospel?  Join members of the WDC Church Planting Commission for a Zoom conversation and discussion on these topics and more on April 21 at 11:00 am.  Tim Amor, pastor at Beatrice (NE) Mennonite Church, will share his congregation’s ‘replanting’ story and engage our own exploration into how God’s Spirit is moving within us and the congregations we serve, considering guiding questions such as:·  What are you willing to change so that you and your church can better embody and share the love of Jesus?
·  What are you not willing to change?
·  How can we better disciple and invite others to join with us in orienting all of life toward the radical love of Jesus?

Camp Mennoscah announcements
1.  Camp Mennoscah is seeking a full-time Director of Development, Marketing & Communications to lead our ongoing operational and advancement needs.  More information at www.campmennoscah.org.  Applications accepted until the position is filled; early submission encouraged.  Please send application materials (resume, cover letter, references and salary requirements) to campmennojobs@att.net.
2.  Men and Boys Retreat, April 16-18, at Camp Mennoscah! Come to Camp Mennoscah for time for fishing, canoeing, worshiping, sitting by the fire, or visiting with friends in fellowship.  No pre-registration. Registration and payment will take place upon arrival. For more information contact Kevin Neufeld at 316-322-5515.
3.  It’s time to finish the Campfire Amphitheater at Camp Mennoscah!  Work days are scheduled for the following days: April 9 to 10, April 24, May 15.  Bring a lunch and water bottle with you when you come, and plan to arrive at the North cabin area to check in around 9:00 am. Email office@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290 to volunteer for this project.  Let us know by the Tuesday before!
4,  Looking for kitchen staff and nurses!  Camp Mennoscah is filling volunteer and stipend positions for kitchen staff and nurses for the upcoming 2021 summer.  Contact Camp Mennoscah at office@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290 for available weeks and details.  Kitchen staff can receive a scholarship up to full camp fees for their camper. 

Mennonite church announcements
1.  Bethel College Women’s Association invites donations to help purchase two earth-friendly water refill stations for the Bethel campus. The stations will accommodate water bottles, and cost $890 each. Donate at bcwamarketonline.com by April 30, 2021. Thank you for your support! 
2.  Interested in short-term service opportunities? Ask us about SOOP! We’d love to speak with your congregation about the awesome service opportunities that we can provide through SOOP. Contact LaurenEH@MennoniteMission.net for more information. 
3.  Serve with Literacy Connects through MVS in Tucson! Help connect people of all ages to a world of opportunities through literacy and creative expression. Visit MennoniteMission.net/MVS to learn more.
4.  After living in sanctuary at Columbus (Ohio) Mennonite Church for three years, Edith Espinal was finally able to move back into her own home with her family in February. Celebrate with the Espinal family by reading Edith Espinal’s story here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/news/edith-espinal/
5.  The Mennonite Church USA Constituency Leaders Council (CLC) recently met and provided feedback on four proposed resolutions, concerning the denomination’s Membership Guidelines, inclusion of LGBTQIA people, accessibility for people with disabilities, and justice in the U.S. criminal legal system. Read more here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/clc-resolutions
6.  Please pray for the Executive Board of Mennonite Church USA, which is gathering for a virtual meeting on April 16-17. The Executive Board meets two or three times per year, setting the vision and guiding the direction of the denomination.
7.  Read Mennonite Church USA’s convention newsletter to meet the worship team for MennoCon21 and get the latest updates on Mennonite Church USA’s first hybrid convention to be held in Cincinnati, Ohio, and online on July 6-8 8. https://www.mennoniteusa.org/mennocon21-march-letter

Hesston College Event:Spring Play: Superior Donuts – Presented in the Black Box Theater in Keim Center at Hesston College – April 14-17, 7:00pm and April 18, 2:00pm – Tickets are $10 per adults/seniors and $5 for students and can be purchased at: www.hesston.edu/theatre

Drive-Thru Soup FundraiserThe sr high youth drive-thru soup fundraiser has been rescheduled for Sunday, April 11th from 11:30am-1:00pm. Orders are still recorded from earlier RSVP’s. If you would like to order soup and had not done so previously, you can using this link. Please contact Renee at renee@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org if you have any questions. All proceeds for this fundraiser will help support the sr high youth going on a Civil Rights Learning Tour in Alabama this summer. Thank you for your support!

Holy Hilarity Sunday is April 11
A Holy Hilarity Sunday is scheduled for April 11th and we are looking for some good church jokes to include throughout Sunday’s service! Many Christian churches celebrate Holy Hilarity Sunday the Sunday after Easter as a way to celebrate the resurrection of Christ. This year we will again celebrate a day of joy and laughter together, remembering the great joy that comes with the risen Christ. Send your jokes to renee@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org by Easter Monday (April 5th) for a chance for them to be incorporated in a service of joy and laughter on April 11th. 

Spring Congregational Meeting: This year, due to the Leonard Pitts lecture scheduled by Kansas Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (KIPCOR) on April 25 at 2 pm, the BCMC Congregational Meeting will be held on May 2, at 1 pm, via zoom. Mark your calendars now!

The MC USA biennial convention will take place in July 6-10, 2021 in Cincinnati, Ohio. While a limited number of persons will be allowed to participate in-person, any registrant can participate virtually from home–joining in worship, participating in seminars and exploring the exhibition hall. You can register here, after April 6: https://convention.mennoniteusa.org/

The MC USA delegate session will be held virtually on Saturday, July 10, from 1-3:30pm EDT. BCMC is looking for 5 people to represent our congregation at this delegate session. Since the session will be held virtually, there will be no need to travel. If you are interested in being a delegate, please contact Pastor Dawn (dawn@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org).

A Conversation About Justice & Peace for Palestine & Israel:  The Western District Conference Israel – Palestine Task Force is hosting an informal Conversation About Justice & Peace for Palestine & Israel.  The one-hour Zoom meeting will occur on April 13 from 7 – 8 pm CDT.  The purpose of the meeting is to create a safe space where informal dialogue can occur with WDC Mennonite Churches. Esther Koontz will provide a welcome & overview, Bob Atchison, reflections on Manhattan Mennonite Church’s Gaza Twinning project, and Jonathan Kuttab a report on current conditions in Gaza and the West Bank.  Participants will be divided into breakout groups where discussions will take place facilitated by Joe Roos, Lydia Brenneman, Kathy Neufeld Dunn and the other presenters.  There is no cost to participate.  To register for the meeting please e-mail to wdc@mennowdc.org.  A Zoom link will be provided.  Additional information may be obtained by contacting Kathy Nuefeld Dunn at kathynd@mennowdc.org.
 
Hesston College Event
Spring Play: Superior Donuts – Presented in the Black Box Theater in Keim Center at Hesston College – April 14-17, 7:00pm and April 18, 2:00pm – Tickets are $10 per adults/seniors and $5 for students and can be purchased at: www.hesston.edu/theatre

Western District Conference  Announcements
1.  Due to Covid-19 concerns, the WDC staff has worked from their homes for the last several months.  Now, with lower positivity rates and vaccine availability, the WDC office plans to again be open beginning Tuesday, April 6 at 8 am.  Visitor protocols will include wearing a mask and social distancing from others.  Hand sanitizers will also be available.  At this time, Resource Library materials will be available by lobby pick up only, but it is hoped that patrons will be able to enter the library again soon.
2.  Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church, Goessel, KS, is pleased to host the Service of Ordination for Lead Pastor Caleb Yoder on Sunday, April 11, at 4:00 pm.  COVID precautions will be followed, including social distancing, required masks, and no congregational singing. A quartet will sing from the stage. Guests are welcome to join by livestream; email alexmenno@mtelco.net for the Zoom link. 

Camp Mennoscah announcements
1.  Camp Mennoscah is seeking a full-time Director of Development, Marketing & Communications to lead our ongoing operational and advancement needs.  This position reports directly to the Board of Directors while taking directive from the Executive Director when related to operational considerations.  As a member of a small, very hands-on staff, the role is expected to be highly collaborative.  This professional must embrace the mission of Camp Mennoscah, have an established background in coordinating nonprofit donation strategies, possess strong written, interpersonal, leadership and relationship building skills, and work as an independent contributor with good organization and follow-through.  Most of the work will commence off campus, however some in-person time at camp is required.This role involves organizing broad-based fundraising initiatives, advocating for Camp Mennoscah through speaking engagements, promotional materials, and social media, as well as recruiting volunteers, and building relationships with board members, donors and staff.
Our ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree, a minimum of five years of fund development experience, or equivalent experience in church relations, and a passion for Camp Mennoscah.  They should also be familiar with office related applications, and other technology used for communication and social media.  Experience with CampBrain and the associated donor database is a plus.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled and early submission is encouraged.  Please send application materials (resume, cover letter, references and salary requirements) to campmennojobs@att.net. 
2.  Men and Boys Retreat, April 16-18, at Camp Mennoscah! Come to Camp Mennoscah for this long-standing, guys-only retreat! Spend time fishing, canoeing, worshiping, sitting by the fire, or visiting with friends in fellowship.  The official beginning to the weekend is Saturday morning, but many arrive on Friday. Meals can be purchased for Saturday night, Sunday morning and lunch.  People are welcome Friday, but no meals or entertainment will be provided.  Meals available for an additional cost. No pre-registration. Registration and payment will take place upon arrival. For more information contact Kevin Neufeld at 316-322-5515.
3.  2021 Summer Staff!  Camp Mennoscah’s summer staffers are Anna Lubbers, Beth Balzer, Karina Brandt, Emily Brandt, Schyler Entz, Ethan Entz, Seth Rudeen, Ben Rudeen, and John Koontz.  We are excited to have them be part of the summer camp staff and they are ready for an absolutely rootin’, tootin’ summer!  Start your prayers now for these staffers and for all who are part of the summer youth program! 
4.  Looking for HUGE tents!  Camp Mennoscah is looking for at least 2 more tents that hold approx. 8-10 bunk beds for summer youth camps (18′ X 36′).  These would be (similar) to the ones used for Senior High Camp (military tents repurposed for peace).  The cost to purchase one is approximately $2600.  If you have one stored away and are willing to lend it to Camp Mennoscah for the summer, please contact us at 620-297-3290.
5.  It’s time to finish the Campfire Amphitheater at Camp Mennoscah!  We’d like to have this ready for the summer youth camps.  Work days are scheduled for the following days: April 2-3, April 9 to 10, April 24, May 15.  Come out for one or both days and part or all-day. Ask about lodging if you would like to stay overnight. A team of five volunteers will work from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm each day installing the new stone benches. There will be stone to cut, move, clean and set along with a whole lot of mortar to mix up.  Bring a lunch and water bottle with you when you come, and plan to arrive at the North cabin area to check in around 9:00 am. Email office@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290 to volunteer for this project.  Let us know by the Tuesday before!
6.  Looking for kitchen staff and nurses!  Camp Mennoscah is filling volunteer and stipend positions for kitchen staff and nurses for the upcoming 2021 summer.  Contact Camp Mennoscah at office@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290 for available weeks and details.  Kitchen staff can receive a scholarship up to full camp fees for their camper. 

Mennonite church announcements
1.  Join Michael Danner, Mennonite Church USA’s associate executive director of Church Vitality, in a webinar April 8 at 7 p.m. ET, as he interviews Elain Enns and Ched Myers, authors of “Healing Haunted Histories: A Settler Discipleship of Decolonization.” Register here:  https://www.mennoniteusa.org/registration-decolonization
2.  SeongHan Kim, in his blog, “Walk out from the military base nation,” recounts how the construction of a Republic of Korea naval base on Jeju Island, Korea — and its connection to the U.S. military — has affected the lives of those Koreans who live in that region. Read his take on the Cost of War here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/base-walk-out
3.  Allegheny Mennonite Conference (AMC) is offering a matching grant of up to $15,000 for donations made to Mennonite Church USA’s Justice Fund, a mutual aid fund that supports MC USA congregations’ work toward social justice. Find out more about AMC’s contribution and how your congregation can get involved at https://www.mennoniteusa.org/news/justice-fund-match/.
4.  Registration for MennoCon21 opens April 6 for in-person and online attendance. Learn more here: https://convention.mennoniteusa.org/registration/
5 .  Want to be an integral part of a young adult’s life? Become a unit leader for Service Adventure, a gap-year program for ages 17-20 from Mennonite Mission Network. Unit leaders, who are at least 24 years of age, serve as mentors to the young adults in the Service Adventure household. Leaders are needed in Colorado Springs, CO and Johnstown, PA. Learn more by contacting SusanN@MennoniteMission.net.

Newton Et Cetera Shop is grateful for your donated items, your volunteer time, and your shopping enthusiasm! We have three requests for you this spring:
1. Please let your friends and neighbors know we’re hiring a full-time Home Goods Manager! The job description and applications are available on our website (newtonetceterashop.com)  and at our shop; applications are due April 19, 2021.
2. We are in need of high-quality furniture, toys and home goods at this time. Our current donation schedule is the first and third Wednesday of each month, 9:30-6:00, and we hope to add Wednesdays in April and May.
3. We welcome new volunteers! Amazingly, we welcomed the same number of new volunteers (40!) in 2020 in the midst of a pandemic, as we did in 2019! If you’re interested in learning more, please visit our website or facebook page, send us an email expressing interest to manager@newtonetceterashop.com, or call us at 316-283-9461. Thank you for supporting your local MCC Thrift Shop!

The link to the April issue of Prayers for Mennonite Education is below. This is a monthly prayer resource prepared by Mennonite Education Agency (MEA), the education agency of Mennonite Church USA. These prayer requests were gathered from across Mennonite education, from early childhood – grade 12, undergraduate schools, graduate schools and seminaries, and MEA’s Hispanic Ministries’ seminary and Bible institute. By partnering with these schools and helping them flourish, MEA works to strengthen the church through education. Thank you for supporting our schools through prayer. 
Prayers for Mennonite Education – April 2021

Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp Announcements
The Rocky Mountain April newsletter is here!  Have a look at the latest/greatest happenings here at RMMC. For this and previous newsletters, please visit the camp website and click on the “News” tab under “About Us”.
SPRUCE BEETLE PACKET WORKDAY APRIL 17TH – Since 2015, camp has continued the effort to minimize the impact of the spruce beetle’s desire to make a home and reproduce in the mature Engelmann spruce trees here at RMMC. Pheromone packets disbursed around camp facilities are intended to “communicate” to the beetles that camp’s part of the forest has a “no vacancy” sign and they should move on elsewhere. Please signup to come help with this year’s distribution by visiting our Volunteer page and select “Signup for Maintenance“. Friday night accommodations are offered by request and breakfast will be served Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m. and lunch at 12:30 p.m. Hope to have you join us!

SPRING MENNONITE QUILTERS RETREAT – Camp’s first quilters retreat for 2021 coming April 22-25. These retreats are a great opportunity to get away and get those projects done that have been waiting. While there will be some short, fun breaks, the main focus of this weekend will be giving participants plenty of time to sew. Bring lots of projects, or that one big project you’ve been waiting to start. Sharing ideas, tips and techniques are part of the weekend along with bringing any show and tell items to share with the group. To register, please visit the camp website at www.rmmc.org.

Mennonite Central Committee Announcement
There is still time to register for this year’s virtual Ecumenical Advocacy Days taking place from April 18-21! Register by April 7th to receive the early bird discount on the registration fee. If the cost of attending is prohibitive, there is a student and limited income registration option.

Learn more and register!

Ecumenical Advocacy Days is a space where people of all denominations gather to worship, engage in fellowship, and advocate to their members of Congress. First-time advocates are welcome! This year, the theme is “Imagine! God’s Earth and People Restored.” The conference will center around climate justice and our role as Christians in advocating for equitable access to a safe and healthy planet.  

Register by April 7th and the fee is $25 for four inspiring days of connection, prayer, learning, and advocacy!

Throughout the conference, you can join a variety of engaging workshops, including two facilitated by MCC U.S. Washington Office staff: 

• Climate change as a driver of forced migration from Central America
• The impact of border walls on endangered species and sacred lands

Finally, during Ecumenical Advocacy Days’ time for denominational gatherings, we hope you’ll join a gathering of Anabaptists to share stories and inspiration and hear what others are doing.

Register here!

Join KIPCOR LIVE ONLINE for
Part 2 of 
2020-2021
Peace Lecture Series
featuring Leonard Pitts Jr.
Mr. Pitts spoke on the Bethel College campus in 2017 to the largest audience since KIPCOR hosted Martin Luther King Jr., and will be presenting live online (via Zoom Webinar) in a sequel to that 2017 KIPCOR Peace Lecture, sharing his thoughts on, “Is America Possible?”  The event is free of charge (although we will be asking for voluntary donations to support our work and to cover the cost of the lecture) and you can sign up to receive the Zoom link to participate at https://kipcor.org/